Bi-County Cooperative Foundation

Foundation Scholarships/Stipends/Awards/Mini Grants

Recipients will be selected based on promoting the mission of the Foundation to receive the scholarships, stipends, awards, and mini grants.

Application Deadline

The applications for Scholarships and the stipend, together with all related documentation must be postmarked no later than February 15 of each year. You may write or call if you have any questions. Phone: (630) 208-6750, Fax: (630) 208-4986, or Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with the subject scholarships/stipends.

All applications must be submitted in typed format. Please download (save), make two copies of the application, and send both copies to the Bi-County Foundation. Mail your application to: Bi-County Cooperative Foundation Scholarship Committee, 506 West 4^th Street, Suite B, Sterling, Illinois 61081 One copy of the applications can be Faxed to the Foundation at 815-622-3182 or e-mailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . with the subject as scholarships/stipends.

Notification and Payouts

Notification of finalists will be by March15 of each year. They will be expected to attend a Recognition meeting with letters of acceptance from the schools they intend to attend. Payment of Scholarships will be distributed upon receipt of enrollment verification. Students may submit receipts for reimbursement or direct Bi-County Cooperative Foundation to make payment directly to their school of choice. All Scholarships and Awards must be submitted for payment/distribution prior to October 1 of each year or will be forfeited.

The Foundation Scholarships (For General, Special Education Students, and Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders)

The Foundation Scholarships are Bi-County’s most prestigious scholarship awards, recognizing academic, leadership and service achievement, as well as special personal qualities listed below:

• Students will be selected as finalists on the basis of their academic accomplishments, creative distinctions, and extracurricular activities (particularly in the field of special education and special recreation). Finalists may possibly be invited for an interview with members of the Selection Committee. Interviews, if deemed necessary, will be scheduled in January and/or February of each year.

• The committee will also select students who will contribute to the inclusion of community and academic life of children with special needs. The committee looks for qualities such as intelligence, self-reliance, energy, imagination, originality, and concern for others. The scholarships are not only awarded to honor past achievements but also as investments in the future.

There are three parts to the application process for all scholarships. They include the application form, a written statement, and two letters of recommendation. The committee needs two letters of recommendation: one from a high school teacher, and one from another teacher, counselor, administrator, or person who can objectively assess your abilities and your character. Form letters or letters from friends and family have little value. Please do not submit more than two letters. The following three scholarships are available:

Bi-County Special Education Scholarship (General Education Students going into special education field)

Up to 6 Scholarships from $250.00 to $500.00 will be awarded to students entering the field of special education and programs that promote the inclusion of students in the community and school environments.

Applicants must apply for admission to a school of higher learning in the field of special education or be currently enrolled in a program that supports the goals of the Bi-County Cooperative Foundation. Applicants may also be eligible within the High School setting should they choose to use monies for a program within the High School setting that would enhance an activity to promote inclusion with regular education students.

To be a competitive scholarship applicant, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 is the expected norm. Exceptions to this norm must be indicated on your application, e.g. English is your second language, you are a student over traditional age, or other special circumstances. There are no restrictions to fields of age, financial need, or marital status.

Please provide the following information to apply for the Bi-County Education Scholarship the application form,a written statement , and two letters of recommendation.

Bi-County Education Scholarship (Special Education Students)

Up to 5 Scholarships from $250.00 to $500.00 will be awarded to students with special needs entering into a school of higher learning or a vocational program after High School.

Applicants must apply for admission to a school of higher learning or a vocational or trade program. Documentation of special needs must be submitted with application.

Please provide the following information to apply for the Bi-County Education Scholarship the application form, a written statement, and two letters of recommendation.

Autism Disorder Scholarship

One Scholarship up to $250.00 will be awarded to a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder who wishes to enter into a school of higher learning or a vocational program after High School.

Applicants must apply for admission to a school of higher learning or a vocational or trade program. Documentation of special needs must be submitted with the application.

Please provide the following information to apply for the Bi-County Education Scholarship the application form, a written statement, and two letters of recommendation.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Stipend

One stipend up to $250.00 will be awarded to a family of a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder who would like to educate themselves further about Autism Spectrum Disorders. Monies used for Stipends will be reimbursed after attendance at an event and upon submission of receipts for event. Funds are to enable people with developmental disabilities and their family members to attend conferences of their choice that are directly related to autism spectrum disorder issues. Information about the stipend and an application form are on other website pages. One page refers to information about the stipend, and another page is the application form.

Unsung Hero Award

Unsung Hero awards will be awarded to a teacher, student, or a community member who makes a significant contribution in the life of a person with a disability. Recipients may or may not have special needs and eligibility will not be restricted based on such. Achievement awards will be collected throughout school year and given in spring of each year.

Nominations for Achievement Awards can be made by a school counselor, teacher, family member, community member, or a person with special needs. Awards will be given preference based on service and leadership that promotes the mission statement of the Bi-County Cooperative Foundation. Achievement Award nominations will be accepted through March 10 of each year. All applications must be submitted in typed format. Application for Unsung Hero

Mini Grants

Up to 20 Mini Grants up to $500.00 will be awarded to projects that contribute to the inclusion of community and academic life of children with special needs as identified by the committee and support the mission statement of Foundation. Recipients of mini grants will be chosen at regularly scheduled Board meeting by majority vote of Board Directors present. See the Mini Grant section on the previous web page.